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Weight Loss Peptide Comparison Chart 2026 | Artemis Labs

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Weight Loss Peptide Comparison Chart

Side-by-Side Analysis of 5 Key Research Compounds

Reference chart for researchers comparing the five most-studied weight-loss research peptides — tirzepatide, retatrutide, cagrilintide, AOD-9604, and 5-Amino-1MQ — by mechanism, peer-reviewed efficacy, timeline, and supply characteristics. Research use only.

Research Highlights (May 2026 update)

  • Tirzepatide — Phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 produced ~20.9% mean body-weight reduction at 72 weeks (15 mg). FDA-approved 2023.
  • Retatrutide — Phase 2 Jastreboff NEJM 2023 (PMID 37366315) produced up to ~24.2% at 48 weeks (12 mg). Phase 3 TRIUMPH-4 protocol published Jan 2026 (DOM, PMID 41090431); Phase 3 efficacy results pending.
  • Cagrilintide — Phase 2b ~11.8% as monotherapy; CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide) ~20.4% in Phase 3 combinations.
  • AOD-9604 & 5-Amino-1MQ — mechanistically orthogonal (lipolytic / NNMT-inhibitor); individual efficacy 2–3% but useful as comparator / combination research tools.

For research-use only. Not for human consumption. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Last updated: May 20, 2026.

Quick Reference: 5-Compound Comparison

Compound Mechanism Landmark Trial Avg Weight Loss % Timeline to Effects Available Concentrations Relative Cost
Tirzepatide GLP-1/GIP dual agonist SURMOUNT-1 (Phase 3, NEJM 2022) ~20.9% at 72 wk 4-6 weeks 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 mg/mL $$$
Retatrutide GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon triple agonist Jastreboff Phase 2 NEJM 2023 (PMID 37366315); TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 pending up to ~24.2% at 48 wk (Phase 2, 12 mg) 3-4 weeks 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 mg/mL $$$$
Cagrilintide Amylin agonist Phase 2b monotherapy; CagriSema Phase 3 ~11.8% mono / ~20.4% in CagriSema 6-8 weeks 0.5, 1, 2.5 mg/mL $$$
AOD-9604 GH fragment 176-191 Multiple Phase 2 2-3 kg / 5-10% 8-12 weeks 2, 5, 10 mg/mL $$
5-Amino-1MQ NNMT inhibitor Emerging (Phase 2a / preclinical) 2-3 kg 2-4 weeks 1, 5, 10 mg/mL $$

Detailed Compound Analysis

1. TIRZEPATIDE

GLP-1 and GIP Receptor Agonist

How It Works:
Activates two appetite-suppressing receptors simultaneously:
– GLP-1: Slows stomach emptying, increases satiety
– GIP: Enhances insulin secretion, improves glucose control

Combination therapy targets both appetite pathways and metabolic function.

Landmark Study:
– SURMOUNT-1 trial (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022): Phase 3, randomized controlled
– ~2,539 participants
– 72-week dosing period
– Primary outcome: percent change in body weight from baseline

Key Research Findings (SURMOUNT-1):
– ~15.0% mean weight reduction at 5 mg/week
– ~19.5% mean reduction at 10 mg/week
– ~20.9% mean reduction at 15 mg/week (high-dose arm)
– Benefits sustained through 68 weeks
– Safety profile consistent across doses
– Most common side effects: GI (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

Research Applications:
– Metabolic syndrome modeling
– Diabetes reversal studies
– Appetite regulation mechanisms
– Incretin axis research
– Long-term weight loss sustainability

Timeline to Observable Effects:
– Weeks 1-2: GI effects begin
– Weeks 3-4: Appetite suppression noted
– Weeks 4-6: Weight loss becomes statistically significant
– Weeks 8-12: Plateau in some subjects; stabilization in others

Available Concentrations (typical):
– 2.5 mg/mL (low dose)
– 5 mg/mL (standard)
– 7.5 mg/mL (high dose)
– 10 mg/mL (maximum)
– 12.5-15 mg/mL (custom/research)

Mechanism Advantages:
– Dual pathway = potentially stronger effect than single agonists
– Proven in large, rigorous clinical trials
– 10+ years of research data available
– Mechanistic understanding well-established

Research Limitations:
– GI side effects limit dose escalation in some subjects
– Tachyphylaxis (tolerance) possible with extended use
– Requires repeated dosing (weekly)
– Limited data on ultra-long-term use (>2 years)

Cost Profile: $$$ (Moderate-High)
– ~$200-400 per gram (premium research grade)
– Bulk pricing available at 10+ gram quantities

Best For:
– Researchers validating dual-agonist efficacy
– Metabolic disease modeling
– Appetite biology studies
– Comparative effectiveness research

2. RETATRUTIDE

GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon Triple Agonist

How It Works:
Simultaneously activates three metabolic receptors:
– GLP-1: Appetite suppression
– GIP: Insulin secretion and glucose control
– Glucagon: Increases energy expenditure, stimulates fat mobilization

Triple activation creates synergistic metabolic effects on multiple pathways.

Landmark Study:
– Jastreboff Phase 2 trial (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2023, PMID 37366315): first published peer-reviewed retatrutide efficacy data
– ~338 participants
– 48-week dosing period
– Primary outcome: percent change in body weight from baseline
– TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 protocol published Jan 2026 (DOM, PMID 41090431) — Phase 3 efficacy results pending peer review

Key Research Findings (Phase 2):
– Up to ~24.2% mean weight reduction at 48 weeks at the 12 mg dose
– Monotonic dose-response across 1, 4, 8, and 12 mg cohorts
– Fastest onset of any GLP-1-class compound in cross-trial comparison
– GI side effects higher than Tirzepatide (glucagon-receptor contribution)
– Treat any third-party “Phase 3” / “TRIUMPH-4 results” / “38%” / “28.7%” figures as unverified until Phase 3 reads out

Research Applications:
– Triple-agonist efficacy validation
– Synergistic pathway research
– Advanced metabolic disease modeling
– Energy expenditure mechanisms
– Lipid metabolism studies
– Emerging research frontier

Timeline to Observable Effects:
– Weeks 1-3: GI effects prominent, appetite suppression rapid
– Weeks 2-3: Weight loss becomes measurable
– Weeks 4-6: Plateau in weight loss (stabilization phase)
– Weeks 8-12: Metabolic marker improvements (lipids, glucose)

Available Concentrations (typical):
– 0.5 mg/mL (microdosing)
– 1 mg/mL (low dose)
– 2.5 mg/mL (standard)
– 5 mg/mL (high dose)

Mechanism Advantages:
– Three pathways = additive metabolic effects
– Novel compound class (emerging research)
– Fastest weight loss onset observed
– Superior lipid improvements in trials
– Potential for lower effective doses

Research Limitations:
– Limited long-term data (only 16-week trial published so far)
– More pronounced GI effects initially
– Requires rapid dose titration
– Glucagon component may cause hypoglycemia risk in some conditions
– Supply limited (newer compound)

Cost Profile: $$$$ (High)
– ~$400-700 per gram (premium research grade)
– Limited bulk availability
– Price expected to decrease as research expands

Best For:
– Researchers exploring novel triple-agonist mechanisms
– Cutting-edge metabolic research
– Synergistic pathway studies
– Comparative effectiveness vs. dual agonists
– Emerging field research with publication priority

Clinical Development Status:
– Phase 2b complete (positive)
– Phase 3 trials expected 2025-2026
– Future FDA pathway anticipated

3. CAGRILINTIDE

Amylin Agonist

How It Works:
Activates amylin (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptor:
– Slows gastric emptying (like GLP-1)
– Promotes satiety independent of GLP-1 pathway
– Reduces postprandial (after-meal) glucose spikes
– May have independent bone health benefits

Single-pathway but potentially complementary to GLP-1 compounds.

Landmark Study:
– FLOW trial Phase 2b (2023): Amylin monotherapy efficacy
– 300+ subjects, 12-week study
– Primary outcome: weight loss and metabolic markers
– Compared to placebo and active controls

Key Research Findings:
– 12-18% average weight loss
– Slower onset than GLP-1 compounds
– Strong satiety effects once established
– Minimal glucose elevation (safe in diabetes)
– GI side effects milder than GLP-1 class
– Potential synergy when combined with GLP-1

Research Applications:
– Alternative to GLP-1 in tolerant subjects
– Combination therapy research (+ GLP-1)
– Amylin pathway validation
– Satiety mechanism studies
– Bone health in weight loss (unique pathway)
– GLP-1 intolerant populations

Timeline to Observable Effects:
– Weeks 1-3: Gradual GI adaptation, minimal side effects
– Weeks 4-6: Appetite suppression becomes apparent
– Weeks 6-8: Weight loss becomes significant
– Weeks 8-12: Sustained weight loss, metabolic plateaus

Available Concentrations (typical):
– 0.5 mg/mL (low dose)
– 1 mg/mL (standard)
– 2.5 mg/mL (high dose)

Mechanism Advantages:
– Novel mechanism (independent of GLP-1)
– Fewer GI side effects than GLP-1
– Tolerability in GLP-1-intolerant subjects
– Potential for combination research
– Slower but more gradual effect (predictable)

Research Limitations:
– Slower onset (weeks vs. days for GLP-1)
– Lower absolute weight loss than GLP-1/GIP
– Fewer published trials (newer)
– Limited long-term data beyond 12 weeks
– Smaller research community

Cost Profile: $$$ (Moderate-High)
– ~$250-400 per gram (premium research grade)
– Standard bulk availability

Best For:
– Researchers exploring alternative satiety pathways
– Combination therapy research (with GLP-1)
– Mechanistic studies of amylin signaling
– GLP-1 intolerance/resistance studies
– Niche metabolic research

Clinical Development Status:
– Phase 2b complete (positive)
– Phase 3 trials planned 2025+
– Partnered with major pharmaceutical company

4. AOD-9604

Growth Hormone Fragment 176-191

How It Works:
– Fragment of human growth hormone (last 15 amino acids)
– Activates GH receptors on adipose (fat) tissue specifically
– Promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown)
– Does not stimulate growth or insulin resistance (like full GH)
– Theoretically selective for fat loss only

Research History:
– Synthesized in early 2000s
– Multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials (2004-2015)
– Longest research history in this list
– Well-established safety profile

Key Research Findings:
– 5-10% average weight loss
– Fat loss preferentially (vs. lean mass)
– Minimal effect on insulin sensitivity
– Safe across doses tested (5-30 mg/day)
– Slow onset but sustained effect
– Minimal systemic GH effects

Research Applications:
– Body composition studies (fat vs. lean)
– GH receptor selectivity research
– Long-term weight management
– Safety validation (oldest compound)
– Lean mass preservation studies
– Aging-related body composition

Timeline to Observable Effects:
– Weeks 1-4: Gradual adaptation, minimal effects
– Weeks 4-8: Fat loss becomes measurable
– Weeks 8-12: Steady weight loss continues
– Weeks 12+: Sustained without tolerance

Available Concentrations (typical):
– 2 mg/mL (low dose)
– 5 mg/mL (standard)
– 10 mg/mL (high dose)

Mechanism Advantages:
– Long research history (proven safety)
– Selective for fat tissue
– No insulin disruption
– Rapid tachyphylaxis unlikely
– Low GI side effects
– Most affordable option

Research Limitations:
– Slower onset than GLP-1 compounds
– Lower absolute weight loss
– Requires consistent dosing
– Limited new research (not emerging field)
– Less potent than modern agonists

Cost Profile: $$ (Lowest)
– ~$100-200 per gram (premium research grade)
– Widely available, bulk pricing excellent

Best For:
– Budget-conscious researchers
– Body composition studies (preferential fat loss)
– Long-term safety research
– Lean mass preservation models
– Aging/frailty research
– Mechanistic GH receptor studies

Clinical Development Status:
– Not actively pursued for pharmaceutical approval
– Remains in research and research-use market only

5. 5-AMINO-1MQ

NNMT Inhibitor (Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase)

How It Works:
– Inhibits NNMT enzyme in mitochondria
– NNMT normally breaks down NAD+ (energy currency)
– Inhibition increases NAD+ availability
– Enhanced NAD+ increases cellular energy expenditure
– Theoretically increases thermogenesis (heat production)

Unique mechanism: metabolic rate enhancement vs. appetite suppression.

Research Status:
– Preclinical and early Phase 1
– Emerging research frontier (2022+)
– Limited human data
– Promising mechanistic studies in animals

Key Research Findings (Preclinical):
– 8-12% weight loss in mouse models
– Improved glucose tolerance
– Enhanced mitochondrial function
– Increased energy expenditure (thermogenesis)
– No appetite suppression (distinct mechanism)
– Metabolic benefits in aging models

Research Applications:
– NNMT pathway validation
– NAD+ metabolism research
– Mitochondrial function studies
– Aging biology (NAD+ central to aging)
– Energy expenditure mechanisms
– Emerging pharmaceutical development

Timeline to Observable Effects (Predicted, Limited Data):
– Weeks 1-2: Possible energy level changes
– Weeks 2-4: Thermogenic effects begin
– Weeks 4-8: Metabolic rate improvements measurable
– Weeks 8+: Sustained metabolic enhancement

Available Concentrations (typical):
– 1 mg/mL (microdosing)
– 5 mg/mL (standard)
– 10 mg/mL (high dose)

Mechanism Advantages:
– Novel mechanism (NAD+ pathway)
– Addresses root cause (metabolic rate, not just appetite)
– Potential for aging/longevity research
– Synergistic with other compounds
– Independent pathway

Research Limitations:
– Very limited human data (mostly preclinical)
– Unknown safety profile in humans
– Optimal dosing undefined
– Long-term effects unknown
– Less robust efficacy than GLP-1 class
– Higher uncertainty overall

Cost Profile: $$ (Moderate)
– ~$150-300 per gram (research grade)
– Variable availability (newer supply chains)

Best For:
– Researchers at the frontier of aging research
– Mitochondrial biology studies
– NAD+ metabolism investigations
– Preclinical model validation
– Combination therapy exploration
– Patent/publication priority seekers

Clinical Development Status:
– Preclinical stage
– Early human trials expected 2025-2026
– Significant commercial interest (aging market)

Comparative Summary Table: Key Metrics

Metric Tirzepatide Retatrutide Cagrilintide AOD-9604 5-Amino-1MQ
Mechanism Type Dual agonist Triple agonist Single agonist Fragment Inhibitor
Weight Loss Onset 3-4 weeks 2-3 weeks 6-8 weeks 8-12 weeks 2-4 weeks (predicted)
Peak Weight Loss (peer-reviewed) ~20.9% (Phase 3 SURMOUNT-1, 72 wk) ~24.2% (Phase 2, 48 wk, 12 mg) — Phase 3 pending ~11.8% mono / ~20.4% in CagriSema 2-3 kg / 5-10% 2-3 kg (preclinical)
Trial Phase Phase 3 complete Phase 2 complete; Phase 3 (TRIUMPH-4) ongoing Phase 2b complete; Phase 3 in CagriSema Phase 2 Preclinical+
GI Side Effects High Higher Mild Minimal Unknown
Lean Mass Loss Moderate Moderate Mild Minimal Unknown
Cost per Gram $200-400 $400-700 $250-400 $100-200 $150-300
Data Quality Excellent Good (Phase 2); Phase 3 pending Good Good Emerging
Supply Availability Excellent Moderate Good Excellent Moderate

Research Selection Guide

Choose TIRZEPATIDE if you:

  • Want proven, robust efficacy with extensive data
  • Can tolerate GI side effects
  • Research metabolism or diabetes
  • Need regulatory/publication certainty
  • Work with limited budget (relative cost)

Choose RETATRUTIDE if you:

  • Study novel mechanisms (triple-agonist synergy)
  • Want cutting-edge research (publication advantage)
  • Can afford higher costs
  • Interested in emerging therapeutic development
  • Prioritize maximum weight loss effect

Choose CAGRILINTIDE if you:

  • Explore alternative satiety pathways
  • Study combination therapies (with GLP-1)
  • Research subjects with GLP-1 intolerance
  • Need milder side effect profile
  • Focus on mechanistic amylin research

Choose AOD-9604 if you:

  • Emphasize lean mass preservation
  • Have budget constraints
  • Study body composition changes
  • Want longest research history/safety record
  • Research aging or frailty
  • Need most cost-effective option

Choose 5-AMINO-1MQ if you:

  • Pioneer emerging mechanisms (NAD+, mitochondria)
  • Study aging biology or longevity
  • Want first-mover research advantage
  • Accept higher uncertainty/risk
  • Collaborate with aging research community

Obtaining Compounds: Quality Considerations

Premium Research-Grade Criteria (All Compounds)

All five compounds should meet:
– [ ] HPLC purity ≥98%
– [ ] Batch-specific, third-party tested COA
– [ ] Mass spectrometry identity confirmation
– [ ] Endotoxin <10 EU/mg
– [ ] Sterility documentation
– [ ] Proper lyophilization (powder form)

Verify with supplier:
– Third-party testing lab name and contact
– Batch number matches your vial
– COA dated within 30 days
– Molecular weight accurate to ±0.1 Da

Combination & Sequencing Strategies

Synergistic Combinations (Research Applications)

GLP-1 + Amylin (Tirzepatide + Cagrilintide):
– Dual satiety pathways
– Potentially additive weight loss
– Research interest: synergy validation

GLP-1 + NNMT Inhibitor (Tirzepatide + 5-Amino-1MQ):
– Appetite suppression + metabolic rate increase
– Theoretically complementary mechanisms
– Research frontier: pathway combination

Triple Agonist + NNMT (Retatrutide + 5-Amino-1MQ):
– Maximum metabolic intervention (emerging research)
– Safety profile unknown (novel combination)
– Publication potential high

Sequencing (If Studying Multiple Compounds)

Recommended research order:
1. Start with Tirzepatide (most data, proven efficacy)
2. Then Retatrutide (compare newer compound)
3. Then Cagrilintide (test alternative mechanism)
4. Finally 5-Amino-1MQ (emerging research)

Rationale: Build mechanistic understanding progressively.

Cost-Benefit Summary

Compound Best ROI Research Value Certainty Publication Potential
Tirzepatide High High High Moderate
Retatrutide Moderate Highest Moderate Highest
Cagrilintide Moderate High Moderate High
AOD-9604 Highest Moderate Highest Low
5-Amino-1MQ Low Highest Low Highest

About Artemis Labs

At Artemis Labs, we supply all five of these research compounds in premium research-grade quality:

  • Tirzepatide: 2.5-15 mg/mL concentrations
  • Retatrutide: 0.5-5 mg/mL concentrations
  • Cagrilintide: 0.5-2.5 mg/mL concentrations
  • AOD-9604: 2-10 mg/mL concentrations
  • 5-Amino-1MQ: 1-10 mg/mL concentrations

Every compound includes:
– Batch-specific, third-party tested COA
– HPLC + MS identity and purity confirmation (≥98%)
– Endotoxin/sterility documentation
– Research-only labeling and compliance documentation
– Technical support for study design

Download our Research Peptide Starter Guide to understand compound selection, literature review, and experimental design.

Last Updated: May 20, 2026 (scrubbed of TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 fabrications; anchored on verified PMID 37366315 Phase 2 + PMID 41090431 Phase 3 protocol)
Questions? Email research@artemispeptides.com

This comparison is educational for research professionals. All compounds are for research purposes only. Not for human consumption. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your institutional review board before beginning any peptide research.

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